MIAMI, Fla. -- Bardan Cinema (Bardan), a full-service cinema distributor and digital integrator, has entered a strategic partnership with TK Architects (TK) to design and develop state-of-the-art cinemas throughout the Americas and Caribbean.

TK Architects is a full-service architecture, interior design and engineering firm specializing in cinema and entertainment design. TK has worked with more than 150 of the world's leading cinema owners on 1,000 projects including nearly 3,000 new screens. This will be TK's entre into Latin America.

"We're excited to bring new ideas to our cinema operators," said Vilma Benitez, CEO of Bardan Cinema. "The partnership with TK made a lot of sense: Our combined expertise and commitment to delivering the very best design, engineering and product lines will be attractive to cinema owners looking for a competitive advantage."

TK is known for its ability to provide innovative design within a budget. In addition to traditional auditoria, the firm also designs bars, cafes, restaurants, in-theater dining, large-format screens, bowling alleys, arcades and other gaming facilities.

"We are looking forward to working with Bardan and entering new markets," said TK Principal Jack Muffoletto, leader of the firm's innovative design team. "Like Bardan, we are committed to transforming cinemas into powerful entertainment hubs that will keep audiences coming back.

The announcement comes on the heels of Bardan's agreements with Barco and Philips Lighting to work closely in the Latin American and Caribbean regions. With Barco, Bardan is marketing the company's groundbreaking interactive X20 Visual Communication Platform and digital signage products to cinemas, retailers, hotels, commercial properties and live venues. And with Philips Lighting, Bardan is expanding its exclusive master distribution agreement to introduce and supply the new Digital Cinema Xenon long-life lamps used worldwide to light movie screens.